Have you ever wondered if your hair is actually growing or meeting your goals for length? Figuring out your hair length and tracking your progress over time is important for understanding your hair health and whether your products and routines are working. This guide will explain everything you need to know about measuring your strands and what it takes to reach that coveted four inches of new growth.
Why Measure Hair Length Anyway?
Knowing your exact hair length and documenting your journey over the months serves a few key purposes:
– It allows you to set goals and visualize your progress. You can take pride in each milestone and milestone as you reach new lengths.
– You can evaluate if certain products, routines, or styles are helping or hindering your hair health and growth.
– It helps you identify potential issues early on. If your hair stops growing or seems damaged, you’ll know right away.
– Quite simply, it’s fun and rewarding to see your mane go from chin-length to waist-length over time!
Now that you know why it’s useful to measure your strands, let’s get into the different categories and methods for doing so accurately.
Hair Length Categories: Short, Medium, and Long
Hair lengths are generally grouped into three main categories:
Short Length Hair
This ranges from buzzcuts and pixie cuts to bobs hitting at chin-length. In numbers, short hair is anything from 10 cm (about 4 inches) to roughly 20 cm (8 inches).
Medium Length Hair
Medium length is considered anything from chin-length to a few inches below the shoulders. This equates to 20 cm (8 inches) to about 40 cm (16 inches).
Long Length Hair
Long locks are usually characterized as armpit length or longer, which is 40 cm (16 inches) and beyond. Floor length hair can reach over 55 cm (22 inches) or more!
So in summary:
– Short hair: 4 – 8 inches
– Medium hair: 8 – 16 inches
– Long hair: 16+ inches
Those length ranges should help you categorize your own mane! Now let’s get into how to actually measure your current length.
***Measuring Hair Length: Understanding 4 Inches of Hair***
Technique #1: Using Body Parts as Markers
One of the most popular DIY methods is using your own body as a guide. You simply stretch sections of your hair to determine which body parts they reach.
This is beneficial for several reasons:
– It’s simple and easy – no special tools needed!
– It works equally well for straight, wavy, or super curly hair types.
– You can measure different sections like the crown, sides, and nape of your neck.
– It allows you to set goals, like going from shoulder length to bra strap length.
Here are some common body part markers:
**Short Hair Lengths:**
– Eyebrows
– Bottom of nose
– Upper lip
– Chin
**Medium Lengths:**
– Ears
– Collarbone
– Shoulders
**Long Hair Lengths:**
– Armpits
– Bra strap
– Mid-back
– Waist
– Hips
– Tailbone
– Knees
– Calves
See? No tape measure required when your body makes the perfect milestones.
This method does have a couple limitations to note:
– It is less precise than actually measuring inches/centimeters.
– Body shapes and sizes vary, so two people with “waist length hair” could technically have different actual lengths.
However, it’s still useful for tracking your own personal growth over time. You can take photos holding strands of hair to different body parts to document progress every few months.
***Measuring Hair Length: Understanding 4 Inches of Hair***
Technique #2: Length Check T-Shirts
If you want something slightly more precise than body parts, special length check t-shirts have measurement markings screen printed directly on the fabric. It allows you to stretch your locks and see exactly what length they reach in inches or centimeters!
Length check shirts can be fun ways to track your hair goals. But there are a couple things to note with this method:
– The shirts only measure the hair on your back, not your layers, bangs, or sides.
– The fit and size of the shirt affects accuracy. Measurements may not align on all body types.
So while length check tees are great for photos and seeing progress over time, the markings may not be exactly precise.
***Measuring Hair Length: Understanding 4 Inches of Hair***
Technique #3: Measuring Tape or Ruler
For the most accurate measurements, you can always grab a soft cloth measuring tape, like those used for sewing. This allows you to quantify exactly how many inches or centimeters your locks are from root to tip.
To measure properly:
– Start at the roots on your scalp
– Pull hair straight and smooth
– Follow along with measuring tape to ends
– Record measurement
A flexible ruler can work too in a pinch!
Benefits of a measuring tape:
– Quantifies precise number of inches/centimeters
– Can measure any section – sides, back, bangs etc.
Downsides:
– It’s difficult to measure your own head alone
– Curly textures may need straightening for true length
– Not as convenient as other methods
If precision is important to you, bust out the measuring tape. Just enlist a friend to help get accurate results.
***Measuring Hair Length: Understanding 4 Inches of Hair***
Tracking Your Hair Growth Journey
You have your starting length measurement. But now what? Here are some tips on tracking your progress over the coming years to watch your strands grow:
Time Between Measurements
***Measuring Hair Length: Understanding 4 Inches of Hair***
Don’t measure too often! Human hair typically grows about 0.5 inches per month. Take measurements only every 2-3 months to allow some substantial growth between evaluations.
Photo Comparisons Over Time
As mentioned earlier, taking photos as your hair reaches new body part milestones is useful and fun. You’ll find this super motivating watching your mane journey from chin length to waist length.
*Pro tip:* Take some time to evaluate your products, routines, and styling techniques with each milestone. If your hair suddenly stalls, it’s time to switch up your regimen. Healthy strands will continually progress month to month.
Measure Multiple Sections
Your hair likely won’t be one uniform length. Layers, damaged areas, and asymmetry may make certain sections shorter or longer.
Occasionally check areas like your crown, sides, and nape when you do your length checks every few months. This ensures you don’t just focus on the longest piece.
*Important for regrowth:* If you have short hair growing back postpartum or due to medical treatments, be sure to measure those delicate areas to ensure they are progressing as expected.
Curly vs Straight Hair Measurement
***Measuring Hair Length: Understanding 4 Inches of Hair***
Last note – curly curlfriends, no need to straighten your hair to measure length! Simply gently pull curls downward to mimic a straight shape.
Be careful not to use too much tension or heat which could cause damage. Stretching products may help provide light elongation to reveal true lengths without manipulation.
***Measuring Hair Length: Understanding 4 Inches of Hair***
Caring For Your Strands While Growing
You’re starting your hair growth journey. Congrats! But remember, growing your strands out requires tender love and care too.
Healthy Hair Habits
– Deep condition frequently to deliver moisture and strength
– Protect strands at night with silk pillowcases
– Use natural oils to nourish hair and scalp
– Avoid harsh manipulation that could cause breakage
Protective Styling
While growing out your hair, consider protective styles that keep your ends and fragile areas covered:
– Braids
– Twists
– Buns
– Wigs and extensions
This protects the oldest (and most vulnerable) parts of your hair from friction, weather damage, and more while keeping strands moisturized and strong. Make sure to maintain and properly shampoo your real hair underneath any installed styles every few weeks.
Finding the Right Stylist
Not every stylist understands the unique needs of natural hair or long hair. When selecting someone to cut, color, or install protective styles in your strands, be sure to ask:
– Do they have experience with your hair type and texture?
– Do they use gentle techniques and tools?
– Will they create styles that minimize damage?
The right answers will keep your length goals on track!
***Measuring Hair Length: Understanding 4 Inches of Hair***
Let Your Hair Down and Have Fun!
There you have it – a comprehensive guide to measuring your lovely locks and understanding what it takes to reach that four inch milestone.
No matter your hair type or goal length, documenting your journey should be fun and fulfilling. Don’t obsess over speed or precision. Instead, celebrate each mini milestone as your tassels journey from pixie to waist length.
Along the way, remember to show your strands some love with moisturizing products, protective styling, and visits to specialists who understand your texture. Your mane will thank you!
Now pull out that measuring tape, do your first length check, take a proud photo, and get ready to watch your hair grow over the next year. We can’t wait to see your glossy Rapunzel-status strands. Happy growing!